Article with expandable bladder

ABSTRACT

Described is an article comprising a substantially flat piece of material with a first end and a second end. A pocket may be formed at the first end. The pocket may include at least a first opening, and may be configured to receive a bladder. The pocket expands when the bladder is in an expanded state.

BACKGROUND

When lying on a flat surface, an individual will typically utilize an article, such as, a towel or a blanket, to avoid having to lay directly on a ground (e.g., sand, grass, etc.). The individual may further utilize a pillow or a headrest, for support and comfort of her head. For example, when the individual is lying on a beach, the towel will be placed on the sand and the individual will lie on the towel. However, the individual may not bring the pillow or headrest to the beach in anticipation of having to carry the article from a car to the beach, and vice-versa. Thus, the individual may use a further towel or an article of clothing for support and comfort of her head. However, these items are insufficient to take a place of the pillow. For example, the further towel may not stay in one place relative to the head, and it may not be as comfortable or as supportive as the pillow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an article comprising a substantially flat piece of material with a first end and a second end. A pocket may be formed at the first end. The pocket may include at least a first opening, and may be configured to receive a bladder. The pocket expands when the bladder is in an expanded state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an article and a bladder according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the article of FIG. 1 according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 a shows an exemplary embodiment of the bladder according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 b shows another exemplary embodiment of the bladder according to the present invention; and

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a closure arrangement according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention may be further understood with reference to the following description and the appended drawings, wherein like elements are referred to with the same reference numerals. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention describes an article configured to receive an expandable bladder. Once inside the article, the bladder may be expanded to provide support and comfort for a head of a user, when the user is lying on the article.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an article and a bladder 200 according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the article is piece of material (e.g., a towel 100) having a predetermined shape including a predetermined length L₁ (e.g., about 70″) and a predetermined width W₁ (e.g., about 40″). Although, the article will be described with reference to the towel 100, those of skill in the art will understand that the article may be, but is not limited to, a raft, a blanket, a sleeping bag or any other article which an individual may lie upon. The article may be manufactured from any conventional material including, but not limited to, terry-cloth, cotton, Jakarta weave, etc. Those of skill in the art will further understand that the predetermined shape may be a rectangle, a square, a circle, an oval, etc.

In one embodiment, the towel 100 includes a first end 105 and a second end 110. The first end 105 may include a pocket 115 formed therein. In one embodiment, the pocket 115 may be formed by creating a slit 120 in a thickness of the first end 105 of the towel 100. The slit 120, when expanded, forms a first opening 125 for receiving the bladder 200, as will be described below. In another embodiment, the pocket 115 may be formed be attaching a further piece of material to the towel 100. That is, the further piece of material may be placed on the towel 100 in a location where the pocket 115 is to be formed. The material may be stitched and/or attached to the towel 100 in any known manner (e.g., stitched, adhesive, etc.) to create the pocket 115.

Those of skill in the art will understand that the slit 120 may be created anywhere along an edge of the towel 100. That is, although FIG. 1 shows the slits 120 formed in the length L₁ of the towel 100, the slit 200 may be formed in the width W₁ and/or a peripheral edge if, for example, the towel 100 is circular. Further, the towel 100 may include a plurality of pockets 115. For example, if an adult lies on the towel 100 her head may reach a different point thereon than a child.

The pocket 115 may have a predetermined length L₂ and a predetermined width W₂ which correspond to a size of the bladder 200, as described below. In one embodiment, the pocket width W₂ of the pocket 115 may equal the width W₁ of the towel 100. For example, as shown more clearly in FIG. 2, the pocket 115 may extend completely through the width W₁ of the towel 100 to a second opening 130, which may be created by a further slit. In another exemplary embodiment, the pocket 115 only includes the first opening 125 and is sealed on all other sides thereof. The length L₂ of the slit 120 may be determined as the function of a size of the bladder 200. That is, after the bladder 200 has been inserted into the pocket 115, it is preferable that the bladder 200 does not move vertically therein.

In another exemplary embodiment, the pocket 115 further includes a closure arrangement at the first and/or second openings 125, 130. As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the closure arrangement includes a hook 405 disposed at a first end of a strap 410, and a second end of the strap 410 may be attached to the towel 100. The hook 405 may be received by a washer 415 or a clasp disposed on a surface of the towel 100. When the hook 405 engages the washer 415, the opening 125, 130 may be temporarily closed preventing lateral movement of the bladder 200 within the pocket 115. Those of skill in the art will understand that the hook 405 and washer 415 may be replaced by a button, Velcro® patches, a knottable string or any other arrangement for temporarily preventing the bladder 200 from exiting through the first and/or second openings 125, 130.

An exemplary embodiment of the bladder 200 is shown in FIG. 1. The bladder 200 may have a first state (e.g., a rest state) and a second state (e.g., an expanded state). While in the first state, the bladder 200 is preferably flat (e.g., deflated). In the second state, the bladder 200 may have a predetermined size and shape. In one embodiment, the predetermined shape may be a cylinder, a rectangle, etc., and the size may correspond to a dimension (e.g., radius, length/width) of the shape. Preferably, the size of the bladder 200, when in the second state, corresponds to the size of the pocket 115. For example, if the bladder 200 is cylindrical in the second state, a diameter D thereof may be substantially equal to the length L₂ and a height H thereof may substantially equal to the width W₂.

In one embodiment, the bladder 200 may be inflated by a fluid (e.g., a liquid or a gas) to reach the second state. For example, the bladder 200 may include a sealing arrangement 205 which allows the bladder 200 to retain any fluid therein. In another embodiment, the bladder 200 may be filled with a solid substance (e.g., sand) to reach the second state. The sealing arrangement 205 may retain the solid substance within the bladder 200.

The bladder 200 is preferably made from any material which would not degrade with the fluid/substance therein and could expand to the second state. For example, the bladder 200 may be manufactured from a plastic, cloth, canvas, mesh or any other material which is easily cleanable and does not degrade when in contact with the fluid/substance. Further, the bladder 200 may include a predetermined pattern of raised ribs and/or indentations thereon. That is, the ribs may provide additional comfort for the head of the individual.

As shown in FIG. 3 a, one embodiment of the sealing arrangement 205 may include a female member 305 and a male member 310 insertable therein. After the bladder 200 has been filled, the male member 310 may be inserted into the female member 305 to retain the fluid/substance in the bladder 200. Similarly, when the bladder 200 is going to be emptied, the male member 310 is removed from the female member 305. Those of skill in the art will understand that insertion of the male member 310 into the female member 305 may create an fluid-tight seal.

FIG. 3 b shows another exemplary embodiment of the sealing arrangement 205 which includes a cord 315 (e.g., a drawstring). In one instance, the cord 315 may be wrapped around an opening of the bladder 200 and knotted to retain the fluid/substance therein. In another instance, the cord 315 may include a tightening arrangement thereon. In this embodiment, the cord 315 may be wrapped around the bladder 200 and pulled taut to close the opening thereof. The tightening mechanism 320 may be tightened on the cord 315 to seal the opening of the bladder 200. This embodiment may be more suitable for times when the solid substance is to be retained in the bladder 200.

In use, an individual may travel to, for example, a beach intending to use the present invention. One of the advantages of the present invention is realized during travel. For example, the towel 100 may only require a space which would be required for a conventional towel. That is, because the pocket 115 is collapsible and the bladders 200 is removable therefrom, the towel 100 may be rolled up or folded upon itself.

Also, the bladder 200 may be transported while in the first state, and thus, only require a minimal amount of space. That is, any fluid/substance in the bladder 200 may be removed by disengaging the sealing arrangement 205. When empty, the bladder 200 may be rolled up or folded upon itself.

When the individual arrives at the beach, the towel 100 may be unrolled/unfolded and placed on the sand. Then, the bladder 200 may be filled. As described above, in one embodiment, the bladder 200 may be inflated using air or a liquid (e.g., ocean water). In another embodiment, the bladder 200 may be filled using the sand. Further, the bladder 200 may be partially or completely filled depending upon a preference of the individual.

After being filled, the bladder 200 may be inserted into the pocket 115 through one of the first and second openings 125, 130. As described above, the pocket 115 may have dimensions substantially similar to the bladder 200. Thus, when in the pocket 115, vertical movement of the bladder 200 may be prevented. Lateral movement of the bladder 200 may be prevented by the closure arrangement over the first and/or second openings 125, 130.

When the individual is leaving the beach, the bladder 200 may be removed from the pocket 115 and emptied. For example, the male member 310 may be disengaged from the female member 305, and the fluid/substance in the bladder 200 released therefrom. As understood by those of skill in the art, the bladder 200 may be cleaned after use by, for example, filling the bladder 200 with water and releasing the water. Alternatively, the bladder 200 may be turned inside-out and hand and/or machine-washed (e.g., in a conventional washing machine or dishwasher). After being emptied, the bladder 200 and the towel 100 may be rolled up/folded for travel.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bladder 200 may be made integral with the towel 100 only exposing the sealing arrangement 205 for filling and emptying. That is, when being manufactured, the pocket 115 may formed in the towel 100, and the bladder 200 may be inserted therein via, for example, the first opening 125. The first opening 125 (and the second opening 130) may be sealed (e.g., stitched, adhesive, etc.) leaving the sealing arrangement 205 exposed from the pocket 115. In this embodiment, a combined towel and bladder may require even less space than a separate towel and bladder, and, the individual may not have to be concerned about losing the bladder 200.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made in the present invention, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. An article, comprising: a substantially flat piece of material having a first end and a second end; and a pocket formed at the first end, the pocket having at least a first opening, the pocket configured to receive a bladder, the pocket expanding when the bladder is in an expanded state.
 2. The article according to claim 1, wherein the article is one of a towel, a raft, a blanket and a sleeping bag.
 3. The article according to claim 1, wherein the pocket is formed by a slit in an edge of the material.
 4. The article according to claim 1, wherein the pocket is formed by a further piece of material attached to a surface of the piece of material.
 5. The article according to claim 1, wherein the material includes at least one further pocket.
 6. The article according to claim 1, wherein, when the bladder is received in the pocket, the pocket prevents movement of the bladder in a first direction and allows movement of the bladder in a second direction.
 7. The article according to claim 1, wherein the pocket further includes a closure arrangement closing the first opening.
 8. The article according to claim 7, wherein the closure arrangement is one of a hook and a washer, a hook and a clasp, a button, a pair of Velcro patches and a string.
 9. The article according to claim 1, wherein the bladder further includes a sealing arrangement sealing a substance within the bladder.
 10. The article according to claim 1, wherein the pocket includes a second opening.
 11. An article, comprising: a substantially flat piece of material having a first end and a second end; and a pocket formed at the first end, the pocket having a first opening and a second opening; and a bladder insertable into the pocket via one of the first opening and the second opening, wherein, the pocket expands when the bladder is in an expanded state.
 12. The article according to claim 12, wherein the article is one of a towel, a raft, a blanket and a sleeping bag.
 13. The article according to claim 11, wherein the pocket is formed by a pair of slits in opposite edges of the material.
 14. The article according to claim 11, wherein the pocket is formed by a further piece of material attached to a surface of the piece of material.
 15. The article according to claim 11, wherein the material includes at least one further pocket.
 16. The article according to claim 11, wherein, when the bladder is received in the pocket, the pocket prevents movement of the bladder in a first direction and allows movement of the bladder in a second direction.
 17. The article according to claim 11, wherein the pocket further includes a first closure arrangement temporarily closing the first opening and a second closure arrangement temporarily closing the second opening.
 18. The article according to claim 17, wherein the first and second closure arrangements are one of a hook and a washer, a hook and a clasp, a button, a pair of Velcro patches and a string.
 19. The article according to claim 1, wherein the bladder further includes a sealing arrangement sealing a substance within the bladder.
 20. An article, comprising: a substantially flat piece of material having a first end and a second end; and a pocket formed at the first end; and a bladder housed within the pocket, the bladder including an opening exposed from the pocket; wherein, the pocket expands when the bladder is in an expanded state. 